Driving in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has the largest and one of the better highway systems in the Caribbean and Central America. The road traffic rules in the Dominican Republic are the same as in the United States. The difference is the permissible blood alcohol level; in the Dominican Republic, it is higher. Foreign visitors may drive in the Dominican Republic with their International driving permits for three months. After that term, a Dominican driver license is required. Owners the United Kingdom or United States driver licenses do not need to obtain the International driving permits.

The main road traffic rules:

Traffic moves on the right side of the road.

Distance and speed limit signs are in kilometers and kilometers per hour.

The right turn on red traffic lights is permitted.

It is required to carry liability insurance when driving.

Seat belts are mandatory whilst driving.

When driving, cell phones may be used only with hands-free system.

Motorcyclists must wear helmets.

The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.1%.

The speed limit is: on highways – 120 km/h, on open roads – 80 km/h, in built up areas 40-60 km/h.

Additional information:

Foreign drivers should drive with caution since undisciplined driving in the Dominican Republic is common. Many drivers do not use turn indicators; some of them can be aggressive. Driving at night is especially dangerous and should be avoid on highways and in rural areas. Poor road conditions and lane markers, animals on the road and unmarked speed bumps, vehicles driven with malfunctioning headlights make night driving perilous.

Vehicles involved in an accident must not be moved from the place until authorized by police officers.

In the Dominican Republic, there are no child car seat laws.

To rent a vehicle, a driver must be age from 25 to 80 years and has held a valid driver license, passport, and credit card.